For all their inconsistencies at the start of the year and their frustrations in attack, Liverpool are on the brink of becoming a genuine top-four contender next season.

That was, of course, the plan for this season, but after watching Fabio Borini not live up to expectations (and then get injured), Luis Suarez was left to carry most of the attacking load in the first half of the year. And despite his best efforts, he alone could not keep the Reds on par with their league rivals.

Much of that changed, however, over the winter transfer window, when Brendan Rodgers' big spending saw Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho arrive at Anfield.

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Each man brings his own unique attacking skill set to the table and allow for the Reds attack to function at its great effectiveness—something that will hold them in good stead for next season. This is especially true if they can improve again over the summer transfer window by bringing in more attacking talent to help strengthen their starting lineup.

Enter Ajax star Christian Eriksen, who, as a long-term interest of the Merseyside club, could well be making a move over the transfer window.

Liverpool have been monitoring the progress of Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, according to the Dutch club's technical director Marc Overmars.

"We have the list of the scouts of foreign clubs who have been here recently and Liverpool has been a regular visitor," he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

The Reds have been tracking the highly rated midfielder for some time now, and given his performances in that time, they've no doubt been impressed with that they've seen.

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At just 21 years old, Eriksen possesses a brilliant sense of timing on the ball, and he can bring those around him into the game very well. Moreover, his attacking strengths make him a very potent weapon in the middle of the field—someone is strong and capable of thriving in the English game.

Eriksen's contract expires at the end of next year, so if Ajax are going to sell him, it seems that this summer will be the most likely time that will happen. They'll be able to attract a decent transfer fee for him (currently listed at £14 million per Transfermarkt), and there will certainly be no shortage of interest, least of which coming from Merseyside.

Should Liverpool sign Eriksen, the future would be very, very bright.

Potential Starting XI for 2013 (via LineupBuilder)

They've already got one of the more deadly attacks in the Premier League, and adding the Danish playmaker would make them even better than they are now. His age means that he could well be at Anfield for the rest of the decade, and his is talent likely to keep him there as well.

With Steven Gerrard reportedly looking at a new contract with the club (per Goal.com) and Luis Suarez not going anywhere either (per Metro), Liverpool's attack should well see plenty of goals and wins as a result next season. Add in Eriksen, and it could well be deadly.

Given the arrival of new players, the reality is that a run at the Premier League title is still another year or two away, with adjustments to the English game and tactics needing to be addressed.

But a run at the top four is certainly not out of the equation for Rodgers' side next season, especially if they can land Eriksen at some point this summer.